The Future of Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland

This workshop will discuss environmental governance in Northern Ireland in the context of the challenges and opportunities posed by Brexit.  The aim of the workshop will be to gather views on the proposed environmental governance arrangements as set out by UK Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).  Perspectives are sought from all interested stakeholders, including eNGOs, academics, policy and decision makers. This event is co-organised by Queen’s University Belfast and Nature Matters NI.

Each topic’s discussion will start with a short presentation to set the scene (5-10 min), then opening up to roundtable discussion among all participants. Key points will be teased out and summarized at the end of each session – including areas of agreement, differences of opinion and where matters are left unresolved.

Discussions will inform the development of a sectoral position on environmental governance options for NI and the specific Defra consultation on environmental governance and principles (closing date: 2^nd August), as well as the broader QUB Environment and Brexit research agenda.

09.45 Arrival (tea and coffee)

10.00   Welcome and Introduction

10.15-11.15    Theme 1: Common frameworks

Introduction by Dr Viviane Gravey, QUB School of HAPP

11.30-12.30     Theme: 2 Cross-border/all-island issues/international collaboration

Introduction by Attracta Ui Bhroin, Irish Environmental Network & Vice President of the European Environmental Bureau

12.30-13.15     Lunch

13.15-14.15     Theme 3: Environmental Principles

Introduction by Dr Mary Dobbs, QUB School of Law

14.15-15.15     Theme 4: Compliance/Accountability

Introduction by Dr Ciara Brennan, Newcastle School of Law

15.15-16.00      Conclusions

Final comments and next steps

Attendance is free and open to all interested, but space is limited – please book here as soon as possible.

If you have any dietary requirements or wish to arrange a visitor-parking permit, please contact Dr. Mary Dobbs or Dr. Viviane Gravey as soon as possible (m.dobbs@qub.ac.uk or v.gravey@qub.ac.uk).